Adapter panel support assembly

ABSTRACT

An adapter panel support assembly having a frame assembly, a mounting bracket, and a connection assembly is disclosed. The frame assembly may receive and support an adapter panel. The connection assembly connects the frame assembly to the mounting bracket to allow the frame assembly to rotate and releasably lock at more than two positions when force is applied to the frame assembly. The connection assembly has a plurality of detents such that the frame assembly releasably locks at predetermined positions of the detents. The connection assembly has a ball bearing plunger mounted in the frame assembly. The ball bearing plunger retracts when the force is applied to the frame assembly to rotate the frame assembly between the detents and extends into each of the detents at the position of each of the detents to releasably lock the frame assembly at the position of that detent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/565,015 filed on Nov. 30, 2011 the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The technology of the disclosure relates to adapter panel support assemblies and particularly to a support assembly for an adapter panel that rotates, swivels or tilts to different positions to provide access to either side of the adapter panel, and, thereby, to the front and back of the adapters.

2. Technical Background

Fiber optic terminals in a fiber optic network may be referred to as local convergence points, fiber distribution terminals, fiber distribution hubs, and the like. Such fiber optic terminals are typically cabinets or enclosures which may house fiber connection points and other fiber optic components. This enables the transmission of optical signals over optical fibers connected to the terminals and extended towards the subscriber premises in the optical networks. Thus, the fiber optic terminal provides a convergence point for the fibers and the optical signals between the network operator or service provider and the subscriber. The convergence point offers management capabilities to the network operator or service provider in the deployment and operation of telecommunication networks. Such telecommunication networks may include all-fiber access networks and/or networks involving fiber fed remote radio technology, such as fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA). Some of the advantages of FTTA are space savings and simple system installation. The FTTA may employ a remote radio distribution terminal which combines optical and power connectivity into one terminal. It is a lightweight and compact solution where space is important.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include an adapter panel support assembly having a frame assembly, a mounting bracket and a connection assembly. The frame assembly is adapted to receive and support an adapter panel. The mounting bracket mounts the frame assembly to a surface. The connection assembly connects the frame assembly to the mounting bracket to allow the frame assembly to rotate and releasably lock at more than two positions when force is applied to the frame assembly. The connection assembly has a plurality of detents positioned at the mounting bracket at predetermined locations. The frame assembly releasably locks at the positions of the detents. The connection assembly has a ball bearing plunger mounted in the frame assembly. The ball bearing plunger retracts when the force is applied to the frame assembly to rotate the frame assembly between the detents and extends into each of the detents at the position of each of the detents to releasably lock the frame assembly at the position of that detent. The frame assembly has a flange adapted to allow force to be applied to the frame assembly to rotate the frame assembly.

The fiber optic apparatus also may have a stop including a forward stop and a rearward stop to limit the amount of rotation of the frame assembly in a forward direction and in a rearward direction. The mounting bracket may comprise a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. The first mounting bracket may be attached to the frame assembly at a first location. The second mounting bracket may be attached to the frame assembly at a second location. At least one of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket may include a stop for limiting the rotation of the frame assembly in one or both of a forward or rearward direction. The frame assembly may be adjustable to support different sized adapter panels. The frame assembly may be configured to allow the adapter panel to be releasably attached to the frame assembly and allow for access to front and back of the adapters mounted on the adapter panel. The connection assembly comprises a stud extending from the frame assembly and through the bracket.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembled adapter panel support assembly;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a perspective, exploded detail view of a connection assembly in the adapter panel support assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a front perspective view of the adapter panel support assembly of FIG. 1 rotated to a forward position and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a front perspective view of the adapter panel support assembly of FIG. 1 rotated to a rearward position; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a perspective, exploded detail view of a frame assembly of the adapter panel support assembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include an adapter panel support assembly having a frame assembly, a mounting bracket and a connection assembly. The frame assembly is adapted to receive and support an adapter panel. The mounting bracket mounts the frame assembly to a surface. The connection assembly connects the frame assembly to the mounting bracket to allow the frame assembly to rotate and releasably lock at more than two postions when force is applied to the frame assembly. The connection assembly has a plurality of detents positioned at the mounting bracket at predetermined locations. The frame assembly releasably locks at the positions of the detents. The connection assembly has a ball bearing plunger mounted in the frame assembly. The ball bearing plunger retracts when the force is applied to the frame assembly to rotate the frame assembly between the detents and extends into each of the detents at the position of each of the detents to releasably lock the frame assembly at the position of that detent. The frame assembly has a flange adapted to allow force to be applied to the frame assembly to rotate the frame assembly.

The fiber optic apparatus also may have stop including a forward stop and a rearward stop to limit the amount of rotation of the frame assembly in a forward direction and in a rearward direction. The mounting bracket may comprise a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. The first mounting bracket may be attached to the frame assembly at a first location. The second mounting bracket may be attached to the frame assembly at a second location. At least one of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket may include a stop for limiting the rotation of the frame assembly in one or both of a forward or rearward direction. The frame assembly may be adjustable to support different sized adapter panels. The frame assembly may be configured to allow the adapter panel to be releasably attached to the frame assembly and allow for access to front and back of the adapters mounted on the adapter panel. The connection assembly comprises a stud extending from the frame assembly and through the bracket.

The adapters in the adapter panel may be ones that provide for multi-fiber connector to multi-fiber connector interconnection, such as, for example, an MTP connector, or OptiTIP connector, as commercially available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C., or other types of multi-fiber adapters. Additionally or alternatively, the fiber optic adapters may be ones that provides for single fiber connector to single fiber connector interconncetion, for example an SC connector, LC connector, or OptiTAP connector, as commercially available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C., or other types of single fiber adapters.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of an adapter panel support assembly 10 with an adapter panel 12 removably mounted thereto. The adapter panel support assembly 10 includes a frame assembly 14, first mounting bracket 16, second mounting bracket 18 and connection assembly 20. The frame assembly 14 is adapted to receive and support the adapter panel 12. One or both of the first mounting bracket 16 and the second mounting bracket 18 mount the frame assembly 14 to a surface 22. The first mounting bracket 16 and the second mounting bracket 18 may mount the frame assembly 14 to the mounting surface 22 using any suitable fastener 24 as examples, screws, rivets, and the like. The adapter panel 12 may include a mounting plate 26 on or through which adapters 28 are mounted. Although not shown on FIG. 1, the adapters 28 may be used to receive fiber optic connectors which terminate fiber optic cables. In this way, the adapters 28 may interconnect fiber optic cables and establish optical communication between the fiber optic cables. The adapter plate 26 may mount to the frame assembly 14 in any suitable manner. In FIG. 1, the adapter plate 26 is shown removably mounted to the frame assembly 14 using push-pins 30, although any suitable fastener may be used for removably mounting the adapter panel 12 to the frame assembly 14.

In FIG. 1, the connection assembly 20 is shown connecting the frame assembly 14 to the first mounting bracket 16. A connection assembly 20 may also connect the frame assembly 14 to the second mounting bracket 18. The connection assembly 20 allows the frame assembly 14 to rotate and releasably lock at more than two positions when force is applied to the frame assembly 14. The frame assembly 14 may rotate in a forward rotational direction, indicated in FIG. 1 by a directional arrow marked ‘A’ or rearward rotational direction, indicated in FIG. 1 by a directional arrow marked ‘B’. Additionally, the connection assembly 20 may have a plurality of detents 32 positioned at the first mounting bracket 16 at predetermined locations. The connection assembly 20 will be shown in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2. Although in FIG. 1, three detents 32 are shown, any number of detents 32 may be included. The frame assembly 14 releasably locks at the positions of the detents 32 as will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 2. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the detents 32 may also be positioned in the second mounting bracket 18. The frame assembly 14 may include a flange 34 adapted to allow force to be applied to the frame assembly 14 to rotate the frame assembly 14. Also in FIG. 1, a forward stop 36 is shown extending the second mounting bracket 18. The forward stop 36 may be used to limit the rotation of the frame assembly 14 in the forward rotational direction. A rearward stop 38, not shown in FIG. 1, may be used to limit the rotation of the frame assembly 14 in the rearward rotational direction. Although in FIG. 1, the forward stop 36 is shown extending from the second mounting bracket 18, the forward stop 36 and the rearward stop 38 may extend from the first mounting bracket 16, or may otherwise be incorporated in the adapter panel support assembly 10, as non-limiting examples, in the frame assembly 14 and/or the connection assembly 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a detail view of the connection assembly 20. In FIG. 2, the connection assembly 20 is shown connecting the frame assembly 14 to the second mounting bracket 18. A pivot assembly 40 includes a stud 42 extending from the frame assembly 14, flat washers 44, 46 and tooth washer 48 and nylon nut 50. The flat washers 44, 46 and tooth washer 48 fit around the stud 42 and the stud inserts through pivot hole 51 which extends through the second mounting bracket 18. The nylon nut 50 attaches to the end of the stud 42 and secures the pivot assembly 40 in movably, rotationally retains the frame assembly 14 to the second mounting bracket 18. A similar pivot assembly 40 may be used movably, rotationally retain the frame assembly 14 to the first mounting bracket 16.

The connection assembly 20 may also include a ball bearing plunger 52. The ball bearing plunger 52 inserts into plunger hole 54 in the frame assembly 14 and extends to and contacts the second mounting bracket 18 at the plunger end 56 of the ball bearing plunger 52. The ball bearing plunger 52 retracts against the second mounting bracket 18 when the ball bearing plunger 52 is not positioned at a detent 32. This may occur when the force is applied to the frame assembly 14 to rotate the frame assembly 14 between the detents 32. Force may be applied to the frame assembly 14 using the flange 34. As the frame assembly 14 continues to rotate, the ball bearing plunger 52 may continue to be retracted until the frame assembly 14 rotates to a position that aligns the ball bearing plunger 52 with one of the detents 32. When the ball bearing plunger 52 aligns with one of the detents 32, the ball bearing plunger 52 extends into that detent 32. In this manner, the ball bearing plunger 52 releasably locks the frame assembly 14 at the position of that detent 32. Force applied to the frame assembly 14 while the ball bearing plunger 52 is extended into a detent 32 may cause the ball bearing plunger 52 to retract releasing the ball bearing plunger 52 from the detent 32 and allowing the frame assembly 14 to rotate. Depending on the force applied to the frame assembly 14, the frame assembly 14 may rotate in the forward rotational direction ‘A’ or rearward rotational direction ‘B’. The frame assembly 14 will continue to rotate until the ball bearing plunger 52 aligns with another detent 32 or until the frame assembly 14 contacts the forward stop 36 or rearward stop 38.

In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates the frame assembly 14 rotated in the forward rotational direction ‘A’ and contacting forward stop 36. In this position, access may be faciliated to the back end of the adapters 28 to inspect and/or manipulate the fiber optic cables and/or connectors connected to the back end of the adapters 28. FIG. 4 illustrates the frame assembly 14 rotated in the rearward rotational direction ‘B’ and contacting rearward stop 38 (not visible in FIG. 4). In this position, access may be faciliated to the front end of the adapters 28 to inspect and/or manipulate the fiber optic cables and/or connectors connected to the front end of the adapters 28.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the adapter panel support assembly 10 is illustrated with the adapter panel 12 shown unattached from the frame assembly 14 in an exploded view. The frame assembly 14 has an adapter access area 58 extending through the frame assembly 14. The adapter panel 14 is removably mounted to the frame assembly 14 by inserting the push-pins 30 through the attachment holes 60. The attachment holes 60 are located on the frame assembly 14 in a manner such that when the push-pins 30 insert into the attachment holes 60, the adapters 28 on the adapter panel 12 align with the adapter access area 58. In this way, access may be provided to the front and back of the adapters 28, particularly as the frame assembly 14 is rotated in the forward and rearward rotational directions. Additionally, the frame assembly may be adjustable to accommodate different types and/or sizes of adapter panels.

Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the description and claims are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter panel support assembly, comprising: a frame assembly adapted to receive and support an adapter panel; a mounting bracket for mounting the frame assembly to a surface; and a connection assembly connecting the frame assembly to the mounting bracket, the connection assembly comprising: a plurality of detents positioned at the mounting bracket at predetermined locations and wherein the frame assembly releasably locks at positions of the detents; and a ball bearing plunger mounted in the frame assembly, wherein the ball bearing plunger retracts when a force is applied to the frame assembly to rotate the frame assembly between the detents, wherein the connection assembly allows the frame assembly to rotate and releasably lock at more than two positions when the force is applied to the frame assembly.
 2. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball bearing plunger extends into each of the detents at the position of each of the detents to releasably lock the frame assembly at the position of the respective detent.
 3. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly has a flange adapted to allow force to be applied to the frame assembly to rotate the frame assembly.
 4. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly rotates about a generally horizontal axis.
 5. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, further comprising a stop, wherein the stop limits the amount of rotation of the frame assembly.
 6. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 5, wherein the stop comprises a forward stop to limit the amount of rotation of the frame assembly in a forward direction.
 7. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 5, wherein the stop comprises a rearward stop to limit the amount of rotation of the frame assembly in a rearward direction.
 8. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket.
 9. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 8, wherein the first mounting bracket is attached to the frame assembly at a first location.
 10. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 8, wherein the second mounting bracket is attached to the frame assembly at a second location.
 11. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket comprises a stop for limiting the rotation of the frame assembly in one or both of a forward or rearward direction.
 12. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly is configured to allow the adapter panel to be releasably attached to the frame assembly.
 13. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly allows for access to front and back of adapters mounted on the adapter panel.
 14. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the connection assembly comprises a stud extending from the frame assembly and through the bracket.
 15. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adapter panel received and supported by the frame assembly.
 16. The adapter panel support assembly of claim 1, wherein the connection assembly allows the frame assembly to rotate about a rotational axis and releasably lock at more than two rotational postions about the rotational axis when force is applied to the frame assembly. 